8x Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Walkie Talkies | Large Operations Fleet Ham Radio UK
Baofeng

★ 8x Baofeng UV-5R III Large Operations Fleet Highlights:
- Eight-Radio Operations Fleet: Large-scale deployment for professional UK teams — four patrol pairs, HQ + 7 field units, or two groups of four.
- Tri-Band Operation: 136–174MHz (VHF) + 220–260MHz (1.25M) + 400–520MHz (UHF) — all three bands on every radio.
- 128 Programmable Channels: 50 CTCSS & 104 DCS codes — programme all eight radios from one saved CHIRP file.
- 5W Output Power: High/Low switchable on all eight units for range vs. battery balance.
- FM Radio Reception: 65–108MHz FM broadcast on every unit — monitor emergency broadcasts on standby.
- Dual Watch & Standby: Monitor two frequencies simultaneously across different bands on each radio.
- VOX Hands-Free: Voice-activated transmission on all eight units — no button press needed.
- Built-in LED Flashlight: Torch on every unit for low-light operational environments.
- CHIRP Compatible: Programme all eight radios to an identical channel plan via PC in one session.
8x Baofeng UV-5R III — Large-Scale UK Professional Tri-Band Operations Fleet
The 8x Baofeng UV-5R III is the tri-band radio fleet solution for UK professional operations that have outgrown a basic team pack. Eight radios provides the scale and structure needed for large venue security, multi-zone event management, extended construction site coordination, and any operation that demands complete tri-band coverage across eight operatives simultaneously.
With eight UV-5R III units, your team leader has genuine command-and-control capability across three bands. Deploy as a single eight-person unit, four independent patrol pairs each on their own private channel, two groups of four covering separate operational zones, or a dedicated HQ radio coordinating seven field operatives. With 128 programmable channels and full CTCSS/DCS privacy code support across all three bands, every configuration is achievable from a single CHIRP programming session.
Eight radios is the step before full fleet deployment — large enough for genuine multi-zone professional operations, cost-efficient enough to scale without over-committing. Every UV-5R III unit covers VHF, 1.25M, and UHF, giving your entire eight-person operation the freedom to switch between bands instantly as conditions change across the UK.
8 UV-5R III Radios — Four Professional Deployment Models
Model 1: Full Team
- All 8 on Channel 1
- Single shared channel
- Simplest open setup
Model 2: Four Pairs
- 4 pairs on 4 channels
- Each pair independent
- Multi-zone patrol
Model 3: Two Groups
- Group A: 4 units
- Group B: 4 units
- Dual-zone operations
Model 4: HQ + Field
- 1 HQ command radio
- 7 field operatives
- HQ monitors all
HQ Command Tip: Programme a dedicated command channel (e.g. Channel 10) accessible to all eight radios but used exclusively by the HQ operator for fleet-wide broadcasts. Sub-group channels (Channels 1–4) keep each pair's traffic private. Programme all eight radios from one CHIRP file using an original Baofeng USB programming cable.


Three Bands — All Eight Radios, Full Operations Coverage
Band 1 — VHF (2m)
136–174MHz — TX & RX
Superior open-terrain range across all 8 radios — ideal for UK countryside, large outdoor venues & construction sites.
Band 2 — 1.25M
220–260MHz — TX & RX
Exclusive third band across all 8 radios — less congested than 2m & 70cm in most UK areas.
Band 3 — UHF (70cm)
400–520MHz — TX & RX
Better building penetration across all 8 radios — ideal for indoor UK operations, multi-floor venues & urban environments.
Also receives: FM Broadcast 65–108MHz on all eight radios — monitor local UK radio stations in the background while keeping all three bands active on standby.
Key Features of the Baofeng UV-5R III
- Earpiece / Mic Type: Kenwood K-Type 2-Pin Plug
- Antenna: SMA-Female, High Gain Tri-Band
- Frequency Range: 136–174MHz (VHF) / 220–260MHz (1.25M) / 400–520MHz (UHF)
- FM Receive Only: 65–108MHz
- Dual-Band Display, Dual Frequency Display, Dual Standby
- Output Power: 5W (High) / 1W (Low)
- 128 Channels, 50 CTCSS & 104 DCS codes
- Built-in VOX (Voice-Activated Transmission)
- 1750Hz Burst Tone for repeater access
- Built-in LED Flashlight
- Large LCD Display
- High/Low RF Power Switchable
- 25KHz / 12.5KHz Bandwidth Switchable
- Emergency Alert Function
- Low Battery Alert
- Battery Saver Mode
- Time-Out Timer (TOT)
- Keypad Lock
- Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO)
- Monitor / Scan Function
- Channel Step: 2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25KHz
- Roger Beep
- DTMF Tone Sending
- CTCSS / DCS / DTMF Group Tone Support


Baofeng UV-5R III Technical Specifications
| General | |
| Model | UV-5R III |
| Frequency Range (TX/RX) | 136–174MHz (VHF) / 220–260MHz (1.25M) / 400–480MHz (UHF) |
| FM Receive Only | 65–108MHz |
| Channels | 128 |
| Frequency Stability | ±2.5ppm |
| Antenna | SMA-Female, High Gain Tri-Band |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω |
| Operating Voltage | DC 7.4V |
| Operation Mode | Simplex / Semi-Duplex |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 100 x 52 x 32mm |
| Weight | 250g per unit (including battery & antenna) |
| Transmitter | |
| Output Power | 4W (High) / 1W (Low) — Max 5W |
| Modulation Mode | 16kφF3E (Wide) / 11kφF3E (Narrow) |
| Maximum Deviation | <5kHz (Wide) / <2.5kHz (Narrow) |
| Spurious Radiation | <7μW |
| Adjacent Ch. Power | ≤-65dB (Wide) / ≤-60dB (Narrow) |
| Pre-Emphasis | 6dB |
| Current | ≤1.6A (5W) |
| CTCSS/DCS Deviation | 0.5±0.1kHz (Wide) / 0.3±0.1kHz (Narrow) |
| Intermediation Sensitivity | 8–12mV |
| Intermediation Distortion | <10% |
| Receiver | |
| Sensitivity (12dB SINAD) | ≤0.20μV |
| Selectivity | 55dB / 50dB |
| Intermodulation | ≥65dB |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | ≥60dB |
| Spurious Response | ≥60dB |
| Audio Power Output | 1000mW |
| Battery | |
| Battery | 7.4V 1800mAh Li-ion (BL-5) — per unit |
| Charger | Desktop Drop-In Charger with USB Connector — per unit |
What's in the Box — x8 of Every Item
- 8 x Baofeng UV-5R III Tri-Band Walkie Talkie (Black)
- 8 x 7.4V 1800mAh Original Baofeng Li-ion Battery Pack
- 16 x Antenna (2 stock antennas per radio)
- 8 x Hand Strap
- 8 x Belt Clip
- 8 x English User Manual
- 8 x Desktop Charger with USB Connector
- 8 x PTT Earpiece
Programming Your 8-Radio Operations Fleet
▶ Essential: Programme All 8 Radios via CHIRP — One File, Eight Radios
For an 8-radio operations fleet, PC programming via software is the only practical method. Use the free CHIRP software or official Baofeng CPS software with an original Baofeng USB programming cable. Build your complete multi-channel plan including all sub-group channels, HQ command channel, and CTCSS/DCS codes on the first radio. Save the file, then apply to all remaining seven radios in under 2 minutes each. All eight radios configured in approximately 25–30 minutes.
▶ Read the full step-by-step guide: How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP
Manual Keypad Programming — Simplex Channel
- Press [VFO/MR] to enter Frequency Mode.
- Press [A/B] — select the A Side (upper display). B Side entries will not be saved.
- Press [BAND] to select your band — 136MHz (VHF) or 470MHz (UHF).
- Disable TDR:
[MENU] 7 [MENU] → OFF [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter your frequency via the numeric keypad.
- Optional — CTCSS:
[MENU] 13 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT]or DCS:[MENU] 12 [MENU] [code] [MENU] [EXIT] - Assign to channel:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT]
Manual Keypad Programming — Repeater Channel
- Press [VFO/MR] and select A Side via [A/B].
- Press [BAND] to select your frequency band.
- Optional — Clear existing tones: RX DCS
[MENU] 10, RX CTCSS[MENU] 11, TX DCS[MENU] 12, TX CTCSS[MENU] 13— all set to OFF. - Disable TDR:
[MENU] 7 [MENU] → OFF [MENU] [EXIT] - Optional — Delete existing channel:
[MENU] 28 → [channel] [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter the repeater output frequency via keypad.
- Enter repeater offset:
[MENU] 26 [MENU] [offset] [MENU] [EXIT] - Enter TX shift:
[MENU] 25 [MENU] [1 = positive / 2 = negative] [MENU] [EXIT] - Optional — Enter TX CTCSS/DCS access tone.
- Assign RX frequency:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [channel number] [MENU] [EXIT] - Press [*Scan] — Reverse Mode — displays TX frequency.
- Assign TX frequency:
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [same channel] [MENU] [EXIT] - Press [*Scan] to exit Reverse Mode.
Recommended Accessories for Your UV-5R III Eight-Radio Fleet
- ▶ Speaker Mic — Handheld shoulder mic for hands-free communication — essential for large operations teams.
- ▶ Programming Cable — Programme all 128 channels on all 8 radios from one saved CHIRP file — essential for fleet deployment.
- ▶ Bluetooth Programming Adapter — Programme all eight UV-5R III radios wirelessly from your smartphone.
- ▶ View All Baofeng Accessories
Who Deploys 8x Baofeng UV-5R III Radios in the UK?
The UV-5R III 8-pack is the preferred deployment for UK professional operations requiring large-scale, multi-zone tri-band communication:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is 8 radios the preferred pre-fleet size for UK professional tri-band operations?
A: Eight is the minimum fleet size for genuinely multi-zone tri-band operations. It supports four independent patrol pairs across four separate private channels, two full groups of four covering dual operational zones, or a dedicated HQ controller coordinating seven field operatives. Eight is the largest team size before committing to a 10+ unit fleet — providing professional-grade command structure at pre-fleet cost efficiency.
Q: How do I set up the HQ + 7 field operatives model?
A: Programme a dedicated HQ command channel (e.g. Channel 10) into all eight radios. Assign Channels 1–4 as sub-group channels for each pair of field operatives. The HQ radio monitors all channels using Dual Watch, while field operatives stay on their assigned sub-group channel. The HQ operator can broadcast to all eight radios by switching to Channel 10. Programme all eight radios from one saved CHIRP file. Full guide: How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP.
Q: How long does it take to programme all eight radios?
A: Using an original Baofeng USB programming cable with CHIRP, programme the master radio first (5–15 minutes). Save the channel file, then load to each of the remaining seven radios in under 2 minutes each. Full 8-radio fleet programmed in approximately 25–30 minutes from start to finish.
Q: What makes the UV-5R III different from the standard UV-5R?
A: The key difference is the additional 220–260MHz (1.25 metre) band available on all eight units. The standard UV-5R covers VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm). The UV-5R III adds a third band across the entire fleet. All other core features remain identical to the UV-5R platform.
Q: Do we need a licence to operate 8 UV-5R III radios in the UK?
A: Yes. To transmit, operators require a valid UK Amateur Radio (Ham) Licence, or your organisation requires a UK Business Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. A Business Radio Licence covers all radios within your organisation. See our guide: UK Ham Radio Licences — Your Complete Guide.
Q: Can all eight radios access UK repeaters simultaneously?
A: Yes — with a valid UK Amateur Radio Licence, all eight UV-5R III units can access UK repeaters on the VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm) bands. Programme repeater frequencies into all eight radios from one saved CHIRP file. Using a repeater extends communication range across your entire eight-person UK operation.
Q: VHF vs UHF — which band works best for an 8-radio UK operations fleet?
A: VHF (136–174MHz) delivers superior range in open outdoor UK environments — construction sites, festivals, countryside. UHF (400–520MHz) provides better building penetration — ideal for indoor UK operations. The 1.25M band (220–260MHz) provides an additional less-congested option. Programme channels on all three bands across all eight radios for complete operational flexibility. Read more: VHF vs UHF — Which is Better?
Helpful Resources
- ▶ How to Program Your Baofeng Radio Using CHIRP — Step-by-Step Guide
- ▶ Download CHIRP — Free Radio Programming Software
- ▶ Download Official Baofeng CPS Programming Software
- ▶ UK Radio Licences — Ofcom Official Licensing
- ▶ VHF vs UHF — Which is Better? Full UK Guide
- ▶ UK Ham Radio Licences, Bands & Gear — Your Guide from Foundation to First Contact
Need a Different Pack Size? Choose Your UV-5R III Team Size
All UV-5R III units are fully compatible — scale your fleet at any time using the same saved CHIRP channel file:
UK LEGAL NOTICE: LICENCE REQUIRED TO TRANSMIT
IMPORTANT: The Baofeng UV-5R III is not a PMR446 licence-free radio. To transmit on its frequencies within the UK, you must hold a valid UK Amateur Radio (Ham) Licence or a UK Business Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. Transmitting without a licence is illegal and may result in prosecution. Receiving (listening only) is permitted without a licence. Please ensure you comply with all current UK radio licensing regulations before transmitting.